Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf 2026 start, Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion will stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil’s official statement. Koepka is a competitive type who thrives in top-level competition, which he found limited in LIV. After joining LIV in 2022 fearing an early career end due to injuries, he likely gave up his final contract year. Questions remain whether he had to pay back guaranteed money or remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation intensifies about Koepka’s future playing venues: DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible possibly on penalty, or PGA Tour, where he’d serve a one-year suspension since last LIV play following reduction of life bans. ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his 2022-lapsed PGA Tour membership and rejoin the players’ circle.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 LIV Golf League with the Crushers team, including Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri, continuing into their fifth season. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, sparking speculation on behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain LIV’s top marketable star after Koepka’s departure.
Vijay Singh Returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprising move: Vijay Singh, the three-time major winner from Fiji, is returning to the PGA Tour at age 62. Using an exemption based on his career earnings ranking, he enters this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. Singh has been competing on the PGA Tour Champions, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL Struggles Without Tiger Woods
The Tomorrow’s Golf League faces weak TV ratings in its second season without Tiger Woods, whose appearances had driven top viewership initially. ABC’s season two opener drew just 646,000 viewers compared to 919,000 for ESPN’s premiere. Subsequent matches saw even lower interest. The league, co-founded by Woods, McIlroy, and partner Mike McCarley, urgently seeks new marquee players, as Woods remains unmatched as an audience draw.
Charley Hull to Launch YouTube Channel
Following Bryson DeChambeau’s lead with over three million subscribers, Charley Hull announced plans to launch her own YouTube channel this summer. The English Malbon ambassador, known for bold fashion, revealed the project on the podcast “The Lads” with Jason Day, titled \”The Sweet Spot.\”
Jason Day’s Cryptic Announcement
Jason Day recently posted “I’ve quit” on Instagram without clarifying what